Media Ethics: Ethical Values in Journalism

Abstract

Ethics are rules of conduct or principles of morality that points us towards the right or best way to act in a situation. These ethical principles are based on western thought. These principles provide a framework for analysing what is proper for examining choices and for justifying our actions. Moreover, principles are frequently formulated in rather vague and ambiguous terms. Now confronting a dilemma, professional journalism is face-to-face with ethical journalism. The ethical journalism initiative acknowledges that freedom of the media, free flow of information without the interference of public authorities is fundamental to the development of free society. The ethical journalism reaffirms adherence to the principles of freedom of expression. The ethical journalism initiative recognises the vital concept of free media in this respect. Nowadays with globalization the definition of media ethics is changing with the changing time. To get public support media has to work free of bias and independent in its approach for healthy working of the system. It should be transparent with ethical behaviour.